CR.SCR.BrAs.AntAsH

CR.SCR.BrAs.AntAsH recorded () and expected () distribution in Britain and Ireland (see below)

Marine natural heritage importance

Listed under

EC Habitats Directive

National importance

Uncommon

Habitat Directive feature (Annex 1)

ReefsLarge shallow inlets and bays

Biotope importance

The corkwing wrasse, Symphodus melops, has been observed to feed extensively on the genital pinnules of Antedon bifida (Fish & Fish, 1996) and pieces of Antedon bifida were found in the stomach of Galathea strigosa (Nickell & Sayer, 1998). Antedon bifida may lose up to half their pinnules through predation, largely, if not entirely by the corkwing wrasse (Nichols, 1994).

Exploitation

Exploitation from the biotope is unlikely because there are no species that have commercial value and often occurs in areas where no other commercial species exist. Dredging is not likely to be possible on such rocky reef habitats.